The mission
of the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness is to prevent and end
homelessness in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

We envision communities where everyone has an opportunity to have a home.

We lead our community’s efforts and work to foster greater collaboration, cooperation and coordination, so that those who are experiencing homelessness have access to support, services and housing opportunities.

We assure that all community members have a voice and that safe, decent and affordable housing is available for those who experience homelessness.

1. Through a highly competitive bidding process, The Partnership secured $1.1 Million in new funding from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through this process, three existing homeless housing projects and four new projects will be funded for Catholic Charities, Jewish Family and Children’s Service, CASL, the Salvation Army, Sarasota and Harvest House. Services funded include permanent supportive housing and financial assistance to rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.

2. The Partnership secured a special Challenge Grant from the State Office on Homelessness, passing $166,680 through to member organizations for re-housing and rental assistance for homeless families, moving 45 families out of homelessness, and providing plans for sustainability.

3. For the fourth year in a row, the Partnership was awarded a Homeless Prevention grant by the State Office on Homelessness, passing $56,890 through, Turning Points, who leveraged additional funding to prevent 30 families from falling into homelessness.

4. The Partnership expanded its oversight of projects and performance outcomes, establishing formal program review standards and assuring that providers focused on outcomes rather than output.

Current Year Goals:

1. The Partnership will seek to secure the maximum renewal amounts for its existing federal grants and will again apply for Challenge Grant and Homeless Prevention funding to support its Strategic Action Plan.

2. The Partnership will assume local control of Emergency Solutions Grant funding to support sheltering, homeless prevention and rapid re-housing for homeless individuals and families.

3. The Partnership will continue to advocate and educate on affordable housing and the Housing First model.

4. In addition to special initiatives around homeless families and veterans, the Partnership will work with its partners to identify new models to support single adults, unaccompanied youth, and the LGBT community.

Needs Statement

As we look to fill gaps in our
homeless response system, we have identified the following needs:

$40,000 for the design, implementation, and management of an Early Intervention and Diversion program to assist those who can self-resolve their situations without becoming homeless or assist those who are newly homeless to quickly resolve to reduce the effects of trauma associated with being homeless over a period of time.

$10,000 to start a Landlord Mitigation Fund. As our community struggles with affordable housing, a landlord mitigation fund can help incentivize landlords to work with our area service providers to provide stable housing for those persons coming out of homelessness that may have significant barriers. This fund can allow landlords and property owners who agree to rent to people in our community programs to recoup funds lost due to unpaid rent or excessive damage.

Background Statement

Forward-looking leadership in both Manatee and Sarasota Counties recognized early on the importance of regional planning and collaboration to fund and coordinate services to prevent, reduce and eliminate homelessness. Planning began in 1995, when the Department of Housing and Urban Development required local communities establish Continuums of Care, defined as local partnerships that coordinate services for homeless prevention, shelter and re-housing, and transition to permanent housing. Moving individuals and families from dependency to self-sufficiency has always been at the forefront. By identifying needs and gaps, this continuum would then be able to develop strategic plans that aligned with community goals. In 2005, community leaders and elected officials established The Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness to lead this effort. At that time, it was recognized that the Partnership would need to include many different sectors -- non-profit, for-profit, faith-based, business, law enforcement, health care, city and county governments -- and that its mission would go beyond federal mandates. In over 10 years of operation, the Partnership has been awarded over $8 Million Dollars in Continuum of Care funding that has gone to direct service and management of the Homeless Management Information System. In addition, being a Continuum of Care in good standing allowed partner organizations to apply for additional funding such as Emergency Solutions Grants and Supportive Services for Veterans Families, bringing another $2 Million Dollars annually to the community.

The Partnership administers the data and case management system that links all participating providers together, allowing for better planning and reducing duplication of services. In addition to training and reporting support, the staff provide the equivalent of "Help Desk" for the users of the system, who contact us by phone or e-mail to quickly resolve issues. With coordination becoming more critical, we anticipate system enhancements.

Areas Served

Areas Served

Area

FL- Manatee

FL- Sarasota

Service Categories

Primary Org TypeCommunity Improvement, Capacity Building

Secondary Org TypePublic & Societal Benefit

Tertiary Org TypeHuman Services

Statement from the Board Chair/Board President

When I joined the Board of The Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness four short years ago, it was beyond my wildest dreams that I would be asked to lead this amazing Board. I’m honored to be a member of this group of dedicated community leaders. Over the past few years The Partnership has worked diligently to find solutions to the homeless dilemma in our communities. With the tireless leadership of our executive director, Leslie Loveless, and her dedicated staff, The Partnership has made great strides. Through strategic partnerships we now have adequate housing for homeless women and children. We have a strong and growing Continuum of Care that is a testimony to the power of collaboration, and we have a robust HMIS database. The Homeless Management Information System, which is managed by The Partnership, provides our local service providers with the ability to share data, eliminate duplication of services, save money, track services provided and measure effectiveness.

We have come so far in a few short years, and still we have so much work left to do. Some of the biggest hurdles loom ahead: finding homes for those who are chronically homeless, creating more affordable housing, and last but far from least - changing attitudes about those who are homeless. You may think there is little you as an individual can do – nothing is farther from the truth. If you have an interest in ending homelessness, come to a Continuum of Care meeting (the schedule can be found at www.suncoastpartnership.org) and follow the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness on Facebook. Before you know it, you’ll be connected with a group of diverse, yet like-minded neighbors who are also passionate about helping the most vulnerable members of our community. Your voice and support of The Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness and our regional Continuum of Care will help our region’s poorest and most at risk citizens take charge of their lives and thrive.

Statement from the CEO/Executive Director

The Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, now in its 11th year of operation, continues to play a pivotal role in the delivery of services for the homeless citizens in our community. While conversations continue among community leaders, the Partnership has focused on securing funding for important projects in the Strategic Action Plan, providing program design and technical assistance, and managing our state-of-the-art virtual case management and data system. Because we are not a direct service provider, we can focus on coordinating resources among partner agencies, distributing resources fairly throughout the region, and identifying gaps in services.

As the Partnership is increasingly recognized by federal and state-level funders as collaborative lead, more local control has come to our region. In the coming year, we will become directly responsible for the management of several new grants, passing funding through to appropriate partners for service delivery.

The Partnership Board and the Continuum of Care Advisory Council has voted full support for the new Comprehensive Treatment Program championed by Judge Quartermaine. As a solution-focused initiative, it will move mentally ill and addicted citizens, many of whom are homeless, from jail to treatment.

We continue to support the development of efficiencies and multi-family rentals that are affordable for entry-level workers and their families. Creation of new units using public and/or private funding is the only way to address the deficit. The solution to homelessness has to include housing.

Finally, I feel privileged to be able to work with members of the community to impact our very important mission – ending homelessness.

The Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness directs the activities of the broad Homeless Services Continuum of Care serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties, linking public and private partners, facilitate planning meetings and sharing of best practices, coordinate grant applications for continuum members, and in some cases administering pass-through grants. As lead agency, we also follow and advocate on local homeless issues, and provide current data on the homeless in our community.

1)The Partnership will be responsible for developing and maintaining a well coordinated continuum of services for homeless and at-risk individuals and families, with a robust, stable membership of at least 45 organizations and individuals.

2) The Partnership as Collaborative Applicant, will continue to bring $800,000/year into the community from HUD.

Long Term Success

The long-term success of the Continuum of Care program will be measured by the decrease in the overall homeless population for Manatee and Sarasota Counties, with a goal of 30% decrease by 2016, based on the Annual Point-in-Time survey.

Program Success Monitoring

1) The Partnership uses several tools to measure performance:

a) 90% Satisfaction Rate based on annual survey conducted for the Florida Department of Children’s and Families and other Funders.

b)The Annual Performance Report (APR) prepared for HUD assesses a grant that supports the Partnership’s HMIS program, and those grants issued to partner service providers. All APRs have been accepted as evidence of program success, resulting in renewal of housing grants for homeless individuals and families.

d) A monthly Community Activity Report is prepared for Florida, Manatee and Sarasota County governments along with a performance report measuring progress on deliverables including CoC meetings and communications, # of HMIS reports and grant applications. These reports are used by funders to assess Suncoast Partnership operations and provide ongoing funding for the agency’s programs.

Program Success Examples

Grant Awards

Since 2005, the Suncoast Partnership has been awarded over $6 million for agencies to provide homeless and homeless prevention services in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

Community DatabaseThe Partnership administers the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a network of over 150 caseworkers and 45 agencies and programs. Data from our HMIS is used to prepare the annual homeless report to the U. S. Congress.

DescriptionSarasota Coalition work is conducted through the Homeless Committee of the Community Alliance. The partnership provides focus and leadership at bi-monthly meetings. Working with both the public and private sector, the Partnership develops and tracks the Strategic Initiatives Action Plan which will address both county and city government needs and plans.

3) All community partners will fully utilize the Homeless and at-risk Management Information System (HMIS) to coordinate real-time assistance to homeless families and individuals by 1/2015.

Long Term Success

The number of homeless individuals documented in the annual Point-in-Time survey for Sarasota County will decrease 20% by 2016.

The number of homeless families documented in the annual Point-in-Time survey for Sarasota County will decrease 40% by 2016.

Program Success Monitoring

1) Homeless and at-risk Management Information System (HMIS), ongoing

2) Point-in-Time Survey done January each year

Program Success ExamplesThe Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness entered into an agreement with Venetian Walk to identify and refer elderly homeless individuals for housing in designated units. By reaching out to partners throughout Sarasota County, we were able to identify and house 4 elderly homeless individuals, reducing homelessness and providing safe, decent affordable housing.

DescriptionThe HMIS system is administered by the Suncoast Partnership to End Homeless, and serves as a foundation for the coordination of services to individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The Partnership currently contracts for the Bowman system, a sophisticated product that meets requirements for federal and state level grant reporting and provides the community with data on an ongoing basis. The partnership employs 3 full-time IT specialists who are responsible for managing the proprietary system, developing programming as necessary, generating reports for grants and quality assurance purposes, training users and providing "help desk" response for those users when problems arise. This staff also provides annual database and analysis of Point-in-Time data and maintains the Partnership website.

DescriptionEach year, the State of Florida holds a competition among CoC lead agencies for funding of special services to homeless. The Partnership submitted an application, working with four partner agencies -- Jewish Family and Children's Services, Turning Points, and the Salvation Armies in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. We were awarded $180,000 to provide rapid rehousing services to homeless families with children. Performance-based contracts were given to the four partner agencies, who agreed to provide structured case management measuring progress and sustainability of those families being rehoused.The Partnership will provide technical assistance and monitor progress and performance.

Budget$180,000

Category Human Services, General/Other Family-Based Services

Program Linked to Organizational StrategyYes

Population ServedHomeless Families At-Risk Populations

Short Term SuccessShort-term, there will be outreach to homeless families in shelter or on the streets, with case managers quickly developing positive, supportive relationships. The goal of rapid rehousing is to have families placed in permanent housing within 30-45 days. 100% of those enrolled will have a Housing and Sustainability Plan developed, and 100% will have their progress measure on the Self Sufficiency Outcome Matrix (SSOM).

Long Term SuccessBy the end of the grant, we will have housed 45 families with children, All of the case management is done through the Homeless Management Information System, allowing partnership staff to confirm services and placement. The goal will be to have 85% retention in housing one year after placement.

Program Success MonitoringThe monitoring plan for this project is very detailed, involving both client service review and fiscal documentation. Desk audits will be done monthly to assure compliance, training for staff will be ongoing. In the final month of the project (June, 2016), staff will conduct on-site visits to review documentation, interview staff and also families involved in the project. Final outcomes will be measured objectively through the Homeless Management Information System at grant end, and one year out.

Program Success ExamplesThis is a new project, based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's model. Rapid Rehousing is part of the Housing First philosophy, which has a proven record with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The four providers involved have been piloting rapid rehousing, and longer-term success is being evaluated.

Comments

Program Comments by OrganizationTo meet our ongoing mission, we need to grow a small, talented and professional staff and assure that recurring funding and reserves support the work we need to do. Our community partners in the continuum should be able to rely on the Partnership to assist and guide them as they develop programs and services, and local leaders should see us as experts on the issue.

CEO/Executive Director

CEO/Executive DirectorMr. Edward DeMarco

CEO Term StartMar 2017

CEO/Executive Director EmailEd@SuncoastPartnership.org

Experience

25+ years nonprofit management experience in mental health, social services, workforce services, founding board member of the Suncoast Partnership. Bachelors from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX., Masters in Education from University of North Texas, Licensed Mental Health Professional, Graduate - Leadership Sarasota Class of 2009, Eckerd College Leadership, 2011.

Former CEOs/Executive Directors

Name

Term

Leslie Loveless

Nov 2012 - Mar 2017

Richard Martin

Apr 2007 - Oct 2012

Senior Staff

Name

Title

Brandon Bellows

HMIS / IT Manager

Tara Booker

Jackie McNeil

Office Manager

Staff & Volunteer Statistics

Full Time Staff5

Part Time Staff0

Staff Retention Rate %100

Professional DevelopmentYes

Contractors0

Volunteers92

Management Reports to BoardYes

CEO/Executive Director Formal EvaluationYes

Senior Management Formal EvaluationYes

Non-Management Formal EvaluationYes

Collaborations

Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness is an active member of the National Coalition for the Homeless, as well as the Florida Coalition for the Homeless, and the Florida Housing Coalition, allowing for collaboration state-wide on issues affecting the homeless. We also collaborate with the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network to address those with drug, alcohol and mental health issues, the Veterans Administration to address housing issues for our Veterans, the Public Housing authority in order to provide long term assistance, and the YMCA Schoolhouse Link and Family Resources for homeless youth, among others. The list of members in our Continuum of Care attests to the diversity of partners who are working with us to meet our mission.

Affiliations

Affiliation

Year

External Assessments and Accreditations

Assessment/Accreditation

Year

Awards & Recognition

Award/Recognition

Organization

Year

Public Citizen of the Year Award to Leslie Loveless, M.Ed., LMHC

National Association of Social Workers

2016

Risk Management Provisions

Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability

Commercial General Liability

Directors and Officers Policy

Government Licenses

Organization Licensed by the GovernmentNo

Plans

Fundraising PlanNo

Communication PlanNo

Strategic PlanNo

Strategic Plan Years

Strategic Plan Adopted 0

Management Succession PlanNo

Continuity of Operations PlanYes

Policies

Nondiscrimination PolicyYes

Whistle Blower PolicyYes

Document Destruction PolicyNo

Directors and Officers Insurance PolicyNo

Policies and ProceduresYes

Comments

Management Comments by OrganizationThe Partnership continues to operate with a small, professional staff, all of whom are multi-talented and committed to the mission. With a modest budget and inability to grow staff, we support each other and remain committed to add value to our partners in the continuum.

Multi-Media Comments by Organization

The Partnership continually updates its website www.suncoastpartnership.org to provide the community with resources, data and clear information on homelessness in our region. Also, please join us on Facebook!

Board Chair

Board Chair Rita Smith

Company AffiliationColdwell Banker

Board TermJan 2018 to Sept 2019

Board Chair Emailritab.smith@floridamoves.com

Board Members

Board Members

Name

Affiliation

Ed DeMarco Secretary

Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, Inc.

Mayor Shellie Freeland Eddie

City of Sarasota

Philip Gorelick Vice Chair

Advocate

Ali Kleber

Community Volunteer

Melissa Larkin-Skinner

Centerstone of Florida

Daniel Lundy

Advocate

David Moore

Advocate

Rita B. Smith Board Chair

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Paul Sutton

Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse

Ben Wagner Treasurer

Sarasota Yacht Club

Constituency Includes Client RepresentationYes

Board Ethnicity

African American/Black2

Asian American/Pacific Islander0

Caucasian8

Hispanic/Latino0

Native American/American Indian0

Other0 0

Board Gender

Male6

Female4

Unspecified0

Governance

Board Term Lengths3

Board Term Limits2

Board OrientationYes

Number of Full Board Meetings Annually4

Board Meeting Attendance %81

Board Self-EvaluationYes

Written Board Selection CriteriaYes

Board Conflict of Interest PolicyYes

% of Board Making Monetary Contributions94

% of Board Making In-Kind Contributions100

Standing Committees

Executive

Board Governance

Finance

Technology

Audit

Communications / Promotion / Publicity / Public Relations

Comments

Governance Comments by Organization

Although the Partnership is a private 501(c)3, in order to secure critical grant funding for our region, we must establish certain structures in our governance to comply with the HEARTH Act. To fully engage the Continuum of Care members as contemplated by the Act, we have established the Continuum Membership as an Advisory Council to assist with strategic planning. As an organization primarily focused on planning and facilitation, coordination of grants, oversight and monitoring, and data collection and reporting, it is sometimes difficult for the public and donors to see our full value. The planning framework and objective leadership that the Partnership provides lessens administrative burdens on our partners so that they can focus on direct delivery of services to those in need.

The organization’s last six audits reported no findings and management letters were not issued. Suncoast Partnership is the lead organization in Sarasota and Manatee Counties on issues related to preventing and ending homelessness in our communities. Suncoast Partnership continues to receive support from federal, state, and local governments along with community partners such as local foundations and the United Way to achieve maximum impact with enhanced capacity building. In addition, Suncoast Partnership operates with a lean budget, believing the majority of funding should go directly to organizations and agencies who provide permanent housing projects for those homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Financial Comments by FoundationFoundations and corporations are included with individual contributions as they are not separated in the IRS Form 990 or audit. Financial figures were taken from the IRS Form 990s. The Federal tax returns and audited financial statements reconcile.

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY, INC. IS A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT CORPORATION.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER
SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE (1-800-HELP-FLA) OR FROM THE WEBSITE:
WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM.
REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) OF
EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY. REGISTRATION #SC-02471.

Profiles in The Giving Partner do not indicate endorsement by partner foundations.